As we all know, the games fly around at this time of year, and Villa’s next game is away to Cardiff City on Monday at 4pm.
Cardiff City currently sit just three points above relegation (albeit it with a game in hand over their immediate rivals due to their postponed match against Brighton and Hove Albion on Friday). However, their form, ever since Neil Warnock took over on the 5th October, has been pretty good and they have picked up 16 points in 12 games – 4 wins, 4 draws and 4 losses.
Villa, also, have been in fine form under Bruce; they have picked up 25 points in his 13 games in charge – 7 wins, 4 draws and 2 losses. As a result of this form, they are now just six points shy of a coveted play-off position.
The last time these two sides met, Villa won 3-1, but the scoreline makes it sound a lot easier than it actually was. Monday’s game will be just a tricky as both sides will be desperate to go away with all 3 points.
Here is our predicted Villa XI for the match:
GK: Mark Bunn
Has done pretty well since he replaced Gollini between the sticks and his presence seems to give the defence a bit more confidence.
RB: Alan Hutton
Villa are severely lacking in this area of the pitch, so it is unlikely that he will get a rest for this game.
CB: James Chester
Has been one of our best defenders this year, and we cannot imagine Bruce leaving him out when we need points to keep in touch with the play-off positions.
CB: Nathan Baker,
Like Chester, he has been great for Villa so far this season. His revival under Bruce has been nothing short of astonishing. In a game where we really need the 3 points, it would be surprising to not see him in the starting XI.
LB: Jordan Amavi
Just like with right back, we are also pretty limited in the left back position at the moment. Amavi has been playing well of late, and we don’t think he will be rested for this one.
RM: Albert Adomah
Only played 22 minutes against Leeds on Thursday evening, so he should be fit and raring to go for this one. He is one of our best crossers of the ball, and should be starting Monday afternoon.
CM: Mile Jedinak
Jedinak should keep his place in the middle of the park as his steel, determination, defensive discipline and decent passing skills are all influential to this Villa side.
CM: Gary Gardner
Was on the bench against Leeds due to a minor injury setback, but he should be fit to play on Monday in place of Westwood.
LM: Jack Grealish
Had to go off early against Leeds, so not sure if he is fit enough to play. However, if he is, he should be in the starting XI. If he isn’t fit, Bacuna will likely play on the left in his stead,
ST: Ross McCormack
Has been getting back to some sort of form, and we reckon Bruce will give him a a chance against Cardiff.
ST: Jonathan Kodjia
Scored his 9th goal of the season to salvage a valuable point against a very decent Leeds side. Will be his last game for Villa for a while due to the ACON, so he will hope to give us a leaving present.